This course develops an intellectual framework for the conceptualisation, conduct and analysis of counter-insurgency campaigns by examining historical examples of internal conflict and the responses to it. Students will be required to examine the origins of insurgencies in a variety of historical case studies and evaluate the response to it. They will be encouraged to assess not only the military aspects of these campaigns but the social, political, religious and economic dimensions as well. On the basis of this analysis students will then be required to evaluate the applicability of historical approaches to more contemporary counter-insurgency campaigns.

On satisfying the requirements of this course, students should be able to:

1.       Articulate the historical origins and fundamentals of major theories of insurgency and counter-insurgency;

2.       Identify the contribution of social, cultural, political, religious and economic factors to the outbreak and prolongation of insurgency;

3.       Analyse the relationship between strategy and operational practices in counter-insurgency;

4.       Analyse the role of inter-agency integration and cooperation in counter-insurgency;

5.       Evaluate the conduct of counter-insurgency campaigns – both historical and contemporary - from a multi-dimensional perspective embracing social, cultural, political, economic and military factors;

6.       Conduct historical research and critically evaluate historical evidence;

7.       Express themselves clearly and eloquently in a variety of formats, including verbal and written;

8.       Function effectively as part of a small group conducting activities of the type outlined.

Student participation (10%), Short Assignment (20%), Research Essay (30%), Examination (40%)

Students undertaking this course could expect a workload of 10 hours per week.  This is inclusive of actual contact hours for lectures and also out of class preparation time.

Students can only enrol in this course if enrolled in one of the following programs:

 6827XGCMS

 6826XGDMS

 7827XMMS

 7826XMAMS

None

Core reading materials will be available as an e-brick.